Allergic reactions to a variety of materials can cause eye problems in some people. The immune system response to the presence of allergens releases histamines within the human body, which trigger symptoms such as itching and fluid build-up.
After exposure to airborne particulate or contact with certain chemicals, the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose become inflamed. One result is allergic conjunctivitis, a group of allergy symptoms that affect the eyes. Allergy patients typically experience redness, swelling and tearing, and sometimes eye itching.
Pollen
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that eye problems arise when patients' eyes become exposed to allergens. In the case of hay fever allergies, the mucous membranes of the eyes, or conjunctivas, make perfect targets for wind-transported particles from pollinating plants.
Tiny, light, sticky airborne pollen grains contact the conjunctivas and set off allergic reactions in people who are sensitized to particular allergens. The National Institutes of Health notes that allergy symptoms usually arise in spring from tree pollen, summer from grass pollen and fall from ragweed pollen.
Mold
Mold spores become airborne and subject the eyes to allergens in great numbers. Outdoor leaf molds enjoy a long reproductive season, anytime from spring through fall. Indoor molds, however, can provoke eye problems all year long.
The MayoClinic.com relates that people who work in proximity to plants or in humid environments have greater mold exposure. People who live in homes with poor ventilation or water damage may experience allergic reactions to indoor mold.
Pet, Dust Mite and Cockroach
The University of Maryland Medical Center includes indoor airborne allergens among those that cause conjunctivitis allergy symptoms. Allergic reactions to pet dander, dust mites or cockroaches trigger histamine release, with itching being a common eye problem.
Allergens on the floors of homes become airborne from foot traffic and indoor air currents, and become lodged in people's nasal and eye membranes. Allergy attacks occur when patients ingest the proteins contained in pet dander and the waste of cockroaches and dust mites.
Contact Dermatitis
Allergic conjunctivitis can alternatively be caused by contact allergies, as the Cleveland Clinic reports. In cases of allergic contact dermatitis, patients with sensitization to substances that touch the eye will develop allergy symptoms. Common sources of eye health problems are ingredients in cosmetics, soaps, sunscreens and medicines.
Once patients identify these types of allergenic items, they can avoid them more easily than air-transported allergens. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that fragrances, dyes and strong preservatives cause the most frequent adverse reactions to skin care products.
